Burke named Islanders play-by-play announcer

MSG Networks, the television home of the New York Islanders, announced that Utica Comets broadcaster Brendan Burke will be the Islander’s new play-by-play announcer. He replaces Howie Rose, who had been calling Islanders games since 1995. Burke will team with Islanders legend Butch Goring to call all the action for the 2016-17 Islanders campaign.

“It is an incredible honor to be joining MSG Networks and becoming part of the Islanders family,” said Burke. “It’s very humbling to think I am following in the footsteps of two of the all-time greats in Howie Rose and Jiggs McDonald. It has been a lifelong goal to be an NHL broadcaster and to come home to New York City, and to work for one of the NHL’s iconic franchises, is an absolute dream come true.”

Burke, 32, leaves his post as the voice of the Comets after three years. The 2015’s James H. Ellery award recipient for the league’s “most outstanding media coverage” served as the team’s play-by-play commentator, as well as pre-game, intermission, and post-game interviewer since 2013. Burke was also part of the television team for the AHL All-Star Game in 2015. In addition, since 2012, Burke has appeared on Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports 1, calling college football and basketball.

“We are excited that Brendan Burke, one of the top young broadcasters in the country, will join us as our new Islanders play-by-play commentator,” said Andrea Greenberg, president and CEO, MSG Networks. “Brendan joins our exceptional production team, including on-air talent Butch Goring, Shannon Hogan, and Stan Fischler at the start of what promises to be another exciting Islanders season.”

Burke has also called some action in the NHL, serving as fill-in radio play-by-play announcer on KMOX for the St. Louis Blues from 2009-2012. And from 2008-2013 Burke handled the play-by-play for the Peoria (IL) Rivermen, The St. Louis Blues affiliated team in the AHL. He also served as the Director of Communications for team during his tenure there.

Burke is from the tri-state area – Fair Lawn, New Jersey – and is a graduate of New Jersey’s Paramus Catholic High School and a 2006 Cum Laude graduate of Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York.